Justification:
This species has a wide distribution in the Eastern Pacific, occurs in at least a few marine protected areas, and there are no known major threats. Therefore, this species is listed as Least Concern.

This species is found in marine and brackish waters (Robertson and Allen 2002) down to depths of 26m. This species is commonly found in bays, muddy and rocky areas and kelp beds, and is also common in estuaries (Watson 1996). Adults feed on zooplankton (Lavenberg 1995), while juveniles feed on algae, kelp, and fly larvae (Fitch, J.E. and R.J. Lavenberg 1975). Juvenile and adults will move into shallow waters and feed on the bottom (Emmett 1991). This fish is a demersal spawner in nearshore habitats (Shanks 2005) that is oviparous, with planktonic, primarily neustonic larvae (Watson 1996). Eggs are benthic, larvae are planktonic, and juveniles and adults are schooling pelagic fish. Eggs are attached to spawning substrate and to one another by adhesive filaments (Watson 1996). Eggs are laid primarily on eelgrass (Zostera spp.) and adhere to macroalgae on tidal flats. Larvae are often found over soft, unconsolidated sediments and other substrates. Juveniles and adults occur along sandy beaches, in kelp beds, over rocky reefs, and around piers (Emmett 1991).

This species is found in commercial fisheries and is also taken by sport fishermen. This is species is caught with different types of gear. Although the topsmelt is an excellent food fish, there is a very limited commercial catch. The topsmelt represents only about 15-25% of the California "smelt" catch (Emmett 1991).